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History

In 1997, SARRC was founded by two mothers and their developmental pediatrician. Today, we’re internationally recognized for our autism research, education, evidence-based treatment and community outreach.

1997

Southwest Autism Research Center (SARC) is founded.

1998

Open our first 1,800 square-foot facility at 10th Street and McDowell Road in Phoenix.

FRIEND (Fostering Relationships in Early Network Development) is implemented by SARRC in Arizona elementary schools to help students understand and accept differences among their peers.

SARRC Grandparents Group is established to help educate, empower, and support grandparents of children with autism.

2003

SARRC and Translational Genomics Research Institute partner to conduct Arizona’s largest and most comprehensive molecular and genetics research done on autism.

The Physician Outreach program launches and work begins to develop the Autism Spectrum Disorders Screening kit for pediatricians.

2004

The first capital campaign is launched and raises $7.5 million for a new building.

SARRC partners with the international Autism Genetics Resource Exchange (AGRE), the largest private, open-access repository of clinical and genetic information dedicated to helping autism research.

2005

As a result of the 2004 capital campaign, SARRC’s Campus for Exceptional Children in Phoenix opens.

Bob Wright, a top executive, and his wife, Suzanne, form Autism Speaks, now the world’s largest autism advocacy group.

2006

The SARRC Community School opens its doors, a milestone to create a more inclusive community.

Walk Now Arizona with Cure Autism Now launches and hosts the first walk boasting 3,500 participants.

The CDC estimates that 1 in 110 8-year-old children have ASD.

2007

SARRC hires first national autism experts with doctoral degrees to expand and enhance services.

Arizona Autism Coalition is formed to improve the lives of individuals with ASD and their families by sharing resources and affecting autism systems reform through statewide collaboration and advocacy.

2012

National statistics report that 1 in 68 children are affected by autism.

2013

The fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) newly identifies autism as autism spectrum disorder (ASD) folding all subcategories of the condition into one umbrella diagnosis — ASD. Asperger's is no longer considered a separate condition.

2014

SARRC collaborates with First Place and the Foundation for Senior Living to launch the First Place Transition Academy, operated by SARRC.

SARRC’s CommunityWorks program is replicated in Canada.

Combating Autism Reauthorization Act is renewed for another five years as the “Autism CARES Act.”

2015

SARRC, in partnership with Behavior Imaging and Georgia Tech, help launch Naturalistic Observation Diagnostic Assessment (NODA), a clinically tested service using a smartphone app and autism specialists to diagnose or rule out autism.

SARRC’s Detecting Asperger’s Very Early (DAVE) screening questionnaire is published in the Journal of Applied School Psychology.

2016

SARRC’s second Community School in Tempe opens.

SARRC named a “pocket of excellence” by John Donvan and Caren Zucker in their book, “In a Different Key.”

Phoenix named “the most autism-friendly city in the world” by “PBS NewsHour.”

2017

March 3 proclaimed “SARRC’s Social Enterprise Day” by the Office of the Governor of Arizona.

2018

The CDC reports 1 in 59 children have been identified as having autism in the U.S., which represents a 15 percent increase from previous estimates.

Thank you to our supportive community that has championed our mission every step of the way. Help SARRC continue its mission of advancing research and providing a lifetime of support for individuals with autism and their families by making a tax-deductible gift today.